Affiliation

Abstract

Nearly all stress stimuli (e.g., inflammatory cytokines, glucocorticoids, chemotherapeutics, etc.) induce sphingolipid synthesis, leading to the accumulation of ceramides and ceramide metabolites. While the role of these lipids in the regulation of cell growth and death has been studied extensively, recent studies suggest that a primary consequence of ceramide accumulation is an alteration in metabolism. In both cell-autonomous systems and complex organisms, ceramides modify intracellular signaling pathways to slow anabolism, ensuring that catabolism ensues. These ceramide actions have important implications for diseases associated with obesity, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Figures

Figure 1. Ceramide can be produced by…

Figure 1. Ceramide can be produced by three pathways.

6

De novo ceramide synthesis depends on…

Figure 1. Ceramide can be produced by three pathways.

De novo ceramide synthesis depends on the availability of palmitate and serine, while sphingomyelin hydrolysis and ceramide salvage both require an initial supply of ceramide. Ss, sphingosine.